WINTER 2014 NO. 15

1517 Meadow Street Littleton, NH 03561

Board of Directors Jackie Allison, President

Jan Nadeau, Vice President Vaughan Stiles, Treasurer Karen Gordon, Secretary

Judy Abbott Harry Lilley

Carolyn Murro Alicia Prater Mark Secord

Veterinary Advisors

Whitefield Animal Hospital, Whitefield, NH

Companion Pet Care, Littleton, NH Baker Valley Veterinary Services,

Plymouth, NH

Professional Advisors Margaret Seymour, Esq.

Mark Secord CPA, PLLC

Second Chance Animal Rescue

is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

SCAR receives no federal, state or

local tax money, or portions of

donations made to national

humane organizations.

OUR MISSION To provide homeless animals

with a second chance at life and

companionship in a no-kill shelter.

Our organization goes beyond

shelter walls and is committed to:

1) Positive people and animal

relationships and placements

2) Offering affordable spay,

neuter and vaccination clinics

3) Cooperative rescue efforts

4) Animal welfare education

603-259-3244

www.secondchancear.org

email: secondchancear.org@gmail.com

blog: www.sizisays.wordpress.com

www.facebook.com/secondchancear

SHELTER HOURS Monday—Saturday

Noon to 3pm or by appointment

What Really Matters

Have you ever received a gift that changed your life? For Martina, a beauti-ful tortoise-shell cat, and her owner we hope the answer will soon be yes. Martina found her way to Second Chance after we received a call from her distraught owner, a former armed services member who had bravely served our country in Afghanistan. His doctor felt it would be beneficial to this veteran to have a therapy pet to help him transition back to civilian life, and Martina moved into his home and heart. Due to unforeseen diffi-culties beyond their control, Martina and her owner found themselves searching for new living quarters. This is not always easy for pet owners. This Vet could not find a place that would welcome a cat, and he made the heart-breaking decision that he would have to surrender Martina. After his call, one of our volunteers went to his home to pick up his cat and bring her to the shelter so she could be adopted. When it came time for their goodbyes, Martina’s owner broke down with the dawning realization this was going to be the end of a beautiful friendship with his pet. Our volunteer was overcome with this man's sorrow at having to part with his cherished and much loved "furchild". The sad situation weighed heavily on our volunteer's mind as she drove back to the shelter with very misty eyes.

SCAR is committed to creating a sec-ond chance for pets, and the compassion-ate volunteer felt Martina and her owner were in need of just that. Once a cat is surrendered, it is usually best for both the previous owner and the cat that the cat’s future not be disclosed. But this was a special case, and there needed to be a special exception to the rule. After hearing the volunteer’s story and plea, it was easi-ly decided by shelter staff to try to make this a bright holiday for Martina and her owner. They reached out and assured this veteran that he and his beloved pet will once again enjoy a life together when he finds a pet-friendly place to call home. In the meantime, Martina will be safe and well cared for at the shelter. The Dalai Lama was quoted "If you want others to be happy, practice compas-sion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." Selfless giving and advo-cating for all creatures will come back to you in ways you never would have imag-ined.

The

Scoop

Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics Call us at 603-259-3244 to schedule

Jan. 12, Feb. 2, Feb. 23, March 16, April 20

Low Cost Shot Clinics April 11 & 25, October 3

ShoeBox Recycling Drop off your unwanted shoes at the shelter

We raise $20 for every 40 lbs we collect!

Pet Food Drive “No More Empty Bowls.” We are collecting pet food for

distribution by local food pantries.

Nutrena Tag Fundraiser Nutrena Feeds will make a donation for every tag collected

by Second Chance

Homer’s Homilies Looking for ways to relax your favorite feline friend during the hectic holiday season? You're probably saying you pet your cat everyday so what's all the fuss about? Let me clue you into a little secret. It’s what we kitties call "sweet spots". For us it means sticking to four major spots and ignoring one that my dog pals love but most cats don't. If you said "belly rub" you're right. You have to remember when a cat is fighting for his life, there's no more crucial territory to protect as the belly since that's where the vital organs are located. I'm here to tell you we cats seem to enjoy being petted in areas where scent glands are located. Have you ever noticed when we are rubbing on you or the corner of your furniture we make contact with our chin and head? We're marking you as our own! It gives our envi-ronment a familiar smell which in turn makes us feel contented. So now, just where are these "sweet spots"? Let's start at the base of the chin. Rub gently along the underside of the chin (where jawbone connects to the skull). Your cat will en-joy this so much he'll push his head right into your hand and you'll have a good purr going in no time at all. Nearly all cats love a good ear scratch at the base of the ear. This is also a great scent marking spot. When your furry friend bumps his head against you, this is called bunting. Once again, he's marking you as his own. Cheeks behind his whiskers, yeah, right there! Hit this spot and your cat will be singing his own sweet song. Some cats dislike being petted near their tails; yours truly being one of those finicky felines. However, I have seen some of my shelter buddies purr and stick their bottoms up in the air as if to say "More! More! More!" Master these hot spots and earn yourself a reputation of being a real cat whisperer (and your cat will love you for it!). A little more to the left, please! Happy Holidays to all of you!

PagWinter 2014

Here’s just a few of our sweet shelter cats available for adoption

Checkers Mr. Chips

Coco Oreo

Dorito

LET’S CELEBRATE! On November 1, 2014 Second Chance Animal Rescue started

its 5th year finding forever homes for abandoned cats and kittens.

In 2015, we will continue to offer our monthly low cost spay &

neuter clinics, and our low cost shot clinics held in April and October.

We have so many kind people to thank—especially Rani

and the late Sonny Sanghavi, and all our faithful volunteers

and generous donors who have made our success possible.

We couldn’t do it without you! Here’s to the next 5 years and beyond!

Drop by for a visit Monday thru Saturday 12-3 PM to meet our newest

residents or visit us on the web at www.secondchancear.org

Page 3 Winter 2014

Cat Tails: Pippin & Bentley “I just want you to know how happy we are with Pippin and Bentley, now Skeesix and Echo. Even though Skeesix is a "wild man", we love his enthusiasm. Echo is very sweet and full of fun too. They are both quite different in personality. We are so happy with our boys! Thank you for all that you do for so many cats and kittens. Michael & Shirley J.”

Tis the Season to be a Cat O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how careful we must

be. The Christmas tree is one of the biggest challenges to cat owners during the holiday season. Try to make it as safe for your

pets as possible.

Ensure the Christmas tree has a good solid base in a stable

stand so it won't easily be knocked over. Also, don't put the tree near furniture that can act as a launching pad for your cat.

Don't ornament the bottom part of the tree. Keep valuable

and breakable objects closer to the top where they can't be easily

reached. Properly secure objects with wire hangers or twist ties.

Tinsel's shininess is attractive to cats. It can cause choking

and damage to the intestines which often requires surgery to re-move. The best advice is to leave it off the tree altogether.

Decorating the tree with food is asking for trouble. Garland

made of popcorn and cranberries are beauti-ful but can cause an

obstruction when con-sumed, requiring sur-

gery.

Natural pine trees

have a strong odor that cats are attracted

to. The needles are sharp and fine and if

swallowed can punc-ture through internal organs. Vacuum needles daily! The materi-al of artificial trees can be toxic but isn't as dangerous as natural

needles.

Water in a tree stand often harbors potentially harmful bacte-

ria. Prevent access to the water by surrounding the base with a tree skirt.

Place a "scat mat" under the tree to deter your cat. Try plac-

ing some orange or lemon peel around the base of the tree. Cats dislike the smell of citrus. A plastic carpet runner turned upside down around the tree is another good deterrent. They also dislike

the feel of this on their feet.

Christmas foliage can be toxic. Holly and mistletoe can be

fatal. Poinsettias and ivy bring on bad digestive upset. Try not to use ornamental plants or keep them well out of reach of your cats.

Christmas can be a time of stress for cats because they are creatures of habits and like a routine. With each holiday that ap-

proaches it is important the pet owner save some daily time to spend with their animals. That is the best gift you can give

them. It is possible for your family to have a beautiful Christmas that is also safe for your cat.

Cat Tails: Oliver & Tommy Tucker “You would never know these guys had such a rough start now. They eat like kings, run around like race car drivers and then flop on my lap or roll over for a belly rub. I love it when I get up in the morning and I hear them playing with one of their noisy toys—it makes me smile every-day! Especially Oliver, to see him come around and actual-ly play with and explore toys by himself is awesome! As you know he has always been a Luv Bug, but to see him grow more curious of his surroundings has been such a joy to watch! And all it took was time, patience and lots of love....easy peezzy!! Nan from NH”

Cat Tails: Boots “Boots is doing great! She has brought so much love and fun into our lives. She is a great kitty and very vocal. We are so thankful we got to adopt her! Here is a picture of her enjoying her Tunnel...."paws down" her favorite place to hang out! We think of SCAR often and you did a great job placing her in our home. Thank you again! Jen and Molly”

Cat Tails: Inky “I wanted to update you about Inky, the kitten I adopted last January. Yesterday was his first birthday! He also survived his first trip to the vet, and he did very well! He's a healthy, happy kitty. I've attached a few photos highlighting the past few months

together. Also, since I've adopted him, he has been given the new name of Theodore, or Teddy. Just thought you'd all like to see how Teddy (Inky) is doing! Hope all is well at the shelter! Taylore A.”

Pippin

& Bentley

1517 Meadow Street Littleton, NH 03561 603-259-3244 www.secondchancear.org

Shelter Wish List

Clay Cat Litter Purina Cat or Kitten Chow

Purina Healthy Weight Canned Pate Cat Food (Non-fish)

Paper Towels HE Laundry Detergent 13 Gallon Trash Bags

Brother TN450 Toner Cartridge Copy Paper

Postage Stamps Gift Cards to Walmart,

Littleton Office Supply, Staples,

Shaws, etc.

Pre Sorted Standard U.S. Postage

PAID Littleton, NH 03561

Permit No. 23

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

You can Help We know that you're swamped with requests for donations. While we all support the

big national organizations that help animals, we ask that you first consider giving to your local shelter. We are all

volunteer with no paid staff, so 100% of your donation goes directly for the care of the animals. You can visit us

any day and see your gift at work giving the abandoned and abused a "Second Chance"!

MONETARY DONATIONS

SCAR relies entirely on private donations to be able to fund our adoption program

through our Shelter, offer spay and neuter clinics, and other programs for the commu-nity. Please mail your check today, large or small. You can also donate securely online

at www.secondchancear.org.

VOLUNTEER

SCAR is a 100% volunteer maintained organization, and you can join us and help

the cats and kittens who can’t do for themselves. Fill out a Volunteer

Application today.

FOSTER

Can you open your home occasionally to house a mom and her kittens until they’re

old enough to be adopted, or house a needy cat on a short term

basis when the shelter is full? Call the shelter for more information.

ESTATE GIFTS

Include SCAR in your will, trust or with a beneficiary designation.

GIFT OF STOCK & ANNUITIES

Stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares and other securities, along with transferring of real

estate offer alternative ways to give that can benefit both you and SCAR.

TRIBUTE GIFTS

Tribute gifts can be made in memory of, or in honor of, a pet or loved one. A card will be sent upon request.

WORKPLACE GIVING CAMPAIGNS

Many workplaces coordinate charitable giving campaigns for their employees. These campaigns allow employees to

donate through one-time gifts and regular payroll deductions.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

There are many ways for your company to increase its visibility in the

community and build positive brand presences while helping Second Chance.

IN-KIND DONATIONS

Help keep our supply closet stocked up year round. See our wish list at

www.secondchancear.org

EBAY SELLABLES

Donate jewelry, antiques, autos and other estate valuables year-round and we’ll sell

them on EBay. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

To learn more about helping

cats & kittens, call 603-259-3244 or visit us online at

www.secondchancear.org